St. Joseph of the Pines invites the public to join its residents on a Lenten journey that includes simple suppers and reflections by community leaders on ways in which we can experience God’s love more fully.
“We’re excited this year to explore how our responses to God’s love can actually lead to a greater intimacy with the Lord,” said Rev. Steve Worsley, mission and pastoral care director at St. Joseph of the Pines. “The Beatitudes in St. Matthew’s Gospel invite us to find God’s blessings in unexpected places. By opening ourselves to those unexpected graces, we can discover extraordinary opportunities to come closer to God.”
The journey begins Feb. 22 as Rev. Worsley reflects on “Blessed are Those Who Give – The Joy of Making a Difference.” Regardless of our material wealth or poverty, he will invite us to discover how we can be instruments of God’s grace. Drawing on biblical as well as practical wisdom, Worsley will help us identify how our gifts can make a real difference to our families, our neighbors and the larger community.
The five-week series will then continue each Thursday through March 22 in the Fordham Room at Belle Meade in Southern Pines. The programs begin at 5:30 p.m. with a simple supper, followed by a 40-minute talk at 6 p.m. that ends with a question-and-answer session. The series is free and reservations are not required.
Subsequent speakers include:
- Steve Lawler, president of the North Carolina Hospital Association, will reflect on “Blessed are Those Who Live – Growing Wiser, Not Just Older” on March 1.
- Rev. Sue Hudson, pastor of Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, will explore “Blessed are Those Who Love – Even After 80!” on March 8.
- Shelby Basinger, associate professor of Health and Fitness Science at Sandhills Community College, will discuss “Blessed are Those Who Laugh – Celebrating Life Every Day” on March 15.
- Dr. Homer Ferguson III, organist and choirmaster at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, wraps up the series on March 22 with “Blessed are Those Who Sing – Even When We Forget the Words!”
For more information about the Lenten journey, please call (910) 246-3125.
St. Joseph of the Pines is an aging services network offering a full continuum of retirement housing, health care and community-based services for older adults as well as community outreach to those in need. It is a Trinity Health Senior Community continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Providence.
